Obituary of Helen S. Bloomquist

CARRBORO Helen Squires Bloomquist, 87, of Carrboro, NC, died on Monday, March 3rd after a lengthy illness. Born in Braxton County, WV, Helen was the elder child of Cecil Ellis Squires, Sr., and Mona Hall Squires. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Charles King (Chuck) Bloomquist, both of her parents, her younger brother, Cecil Ellis Squires, Jr., and her oldest daughter Marcia Bloomquist Wiggins Smith. She is survived by her son, George William Bloomquist of Palmdale, CA, her daughter, Patricia Powell and husband David Powell of Yanceyville, NC, her grandson Bryan Wiggins of Carrboro, NC, and her son-in-law Gary Smith of Honolulu, HI, as well as many dear nieces and nephews nationwide. Helen served for many years as church secretary for Chevy Chase United Methodist Church in Chevy Chase, MD. In retirement, she continued serving the church as an administrative assistant at Christ United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, where she and husband Chuck were founding members. It was there she received the designation "Minister of Mirth". For many years, they also delivered Meals on Wheels throughout Orange County. The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Carillon Assisted Living in Hillsborough for the loving care and friendship enjoyed during the last several months. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill, www.walkersfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Duke Home Care & Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Durham, NC 27704. Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve the Bloomquist family.